Solar Panels Cost $11k-$22k in Johnson County, IA | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Johnson County, IA in 2024?
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During November, 2024, the typical cost of solar systems in Johnson County, IA was $4.07/W.
Expect costs to be $4,070, on average, for every 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of solar energy your system will need to produce. You can conclude this by applying this rate price cost per watt above. In Johnson County, you can expect to spend around $14,245 for a 5 kW solar installation once the 30% federal income tax credit is factored in. However, a 5kW systemmight not be sufficient to meet your energy needs.
On the left, you can select your county to find out the average roof size and the maximum capacity for residential solar on houses in your area. Outlined below are the price, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Johnson County: $14,245US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Johnson County: 9 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Johnson County: $11,827US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Johnson County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Johnson County.
Roof size 661sq. ft.
Capacity 9.25kW DC
Electricity 10.3kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Johnson County, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Energy consumers in Johnson County typically use 947 kWh per month, with an average monthly bill of 134.07. Please note that this statistic includes data from apartments and smaller living spaces with lower energy requirements.
In November 2024, the mean electricity rate in Johnson County, IA amounts to 14.15¢ per kWh.
Upfront, an 8 kW solar system costs around $32,560, after a 30% federal tax credit, the price drops to $22,792.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Johnson County
Displayed on the left side, is a thorough pricing structure of the different sizes of solar panel systems set up in Johnson County. When you select a more extensive solar system, the cost is higher, but it also leads to greater electricity savings and a larger income tax credit.
The solar panel cost calculator to the right and below details costs and benefits, considering an average $134.07 electric bill in Johnson County Replace the $134.07 with your usual electricity bill to get more accurate results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $834 a year
Est. Price
$11,396
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,955 kWh
Est. monthly savings $69
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.28 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 105 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,632 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,042 a year
Est. Price
$14,245
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,444 kWh
Est. monthly savings $87
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.84 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 131 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,040 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,251 a year
Est. Price
$17,094
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,933 kWh
Est. monthly savings $104
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.41 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 157 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,448 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,459 a year
Est. Price
$19,943
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $122
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.98 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 183 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,856 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,668 a year
Est. Price
$22,792
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,911 kWh
Est. monthly savings $134
Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.39 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 202 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,862 mi less a year
Johnson County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Between 80% and 100% of your solar energy or wind turbine installation costs may be covered by the REAP Grant if you own a rural small business or farm. Confirm if you are eligible by utilizing our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
Almost all homeowners can take advantage of the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, making solar energy a sensible option throughout most parts of the country. Several state and local efforts are designed to boost the adoption of solar energy.
Various utilities and government agencies in Iowa have 9 solar rebate and incentive initiatives.
Solar incentives in IAIncentive Description Value
Solar Energy Systems Tax Credit (Personal)
Value:Up to $5,000
Iowa residents who purchase and use solar energy devices may be entitled to an individual tax credit in place of the Iowa Production Tax Credit. The total credit a taxpayer may claim equals 50% of the equivalent federal credit up to $5,000. The Department of Revenue will carry over excess credits for a maximum of ten years. Applicants should submit paperwork for this credit only after the system is installed and operational. Credits are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional information is available from the Iowa Department of Revenue website.
Waverly Light & Power - Residential Solar Thermal Rebates
Value:Up to $3,500
Residential Waverly Light and Power customers may be entitled to a one-time rebate on new solar water heaters. Rebate awards are contingent upon the property owner obtaining necessary permits from their county and installing the system through a participating contractor. Each address, rather than each homeowner, may only receive one rebate. As funding for the rebate program is limited each year, applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested customers may apply or find more information on the WL&P website.
Solar Energy Systems Tax Credit (Corporate)
Value:Up to $20,000
Iowa businesses that purchase and use solar energy devices may be entitled to a corporate tax credit in place of the Iowa Production Tax Credit. The total credit a commercial entity may claim equals 50% of the equivalent federal credit up to $20,000. The Department of Revenue will carry over excess credits for a maximum of ten years. Applicants should submit paperwork for this credit only after the system is installed and operational. Credits are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional information is available from the Iowa Department of Revenue website.
Waverly Light & Power - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebates
Value:Varies
Residential Waverly Light and Power customers may be entitled to a variety of rebates on energy efficient projects and equipment. Qualifying projects and programs change from time to time. Current offers include rebates on water heaters, heat pumps, insulation, central HVAC, and some home appliances. Some weatherization projects may be completed at no expense to the homeowner. Additional information is available through the WL&P website.
City of Dubuque - Solar Thermal Licensing Requirement
Value:Varies
Solar contractors intending to install a thermal system on Dubuque property must obtain a specialized license from the city in addition to state contracting licenses, journeymen's permits, or applicable municipal building permits. PV systems do not need a Dubuque license. The simplest qualification for most contractors is a minimum NABCEP Solar Thermal certification. Alternatively, installation workers may complete vocational education from Northeast IA Community College. Additional information is available on the Dubuque city website.
Mandatory Utility Green Power Option
Value:Varies
By Iowa law, all electric utilities operating within the state must offer green or renewable energy options when customers request a line extension or first connect to the electrical grid. The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) keeps track of each utility's options and distributed energy tariff programs. Additional information is available from the IUB website.
Ames Electric Department - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
Value:Varies
Ames residents looking to make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy equipment may be entitled to a variety of financial incentives from the city's municipal utility. Qualifying projects and programs will vary over time. Current rebate offers include central HVAC with load control and ENERGY STAR certified home appliances. An additional program incentivizes new home construction that considers ENERGY STAR building standards. Interested homeowners may schedule a free in-home energy efficiency audit with an Ames Electric Services representative. At the time of the audit, the representative may provide equipment to immediately improve home efficiency, including LED bulbs or pipe insulation. Additional information is available from the Ames city website.
IADG Energy Bank Revolving Loan Program
Value:Varies
The Iowa Area Development Group, together with the Iowa Economic Development Authority, manages a revolving loan fund for businesses within the state to install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. Loans are available at no interest and will be serviced by IADG or one of the fund's lending partners. Projects funded by these loans should be geared toward cost-efficacy and productivity for the business and job creation for the state. Additional information is available from the IADG website.
Renewable Energy Equipment Exemption
Value:Varies
Solar PV, hydro, and wind energy devices in Iowa are exempt from state sales tax. All solar and hydro system equipment qualifies by default; for wind systems, system, manufacturing, and installation costs are all exempt. Additional information is available from the Iowa Department of Revenue website.
Are solar panels worth it in Johnson County, IA?
If your goal is to own your home well past the payback period of your solar system, solar panels are an clear choice in Johnson County. A 5 kW solar system in Johnson County, IA could potentially save you $17,931.8 over the course of 20 years, with the break even point averaging at 9 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Johnson County, IA
The absence of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means that you forgo the savings noted earlier and depend on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news has proven that total reliance on your utility company is not always ideal.
Annually, the average number of outages per customer in Johnson County is about 1.1. Typically, outages have an average duration of 101.69 minutes. However, during significant events such as aging infrastructure, tornadoes or planned maintenance, these times can drastically increase.
View the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Johnson County.
With or without a backup battery, a solar panel system could help to mitigate the effects of future power interruptions you might face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Johnson County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Johnson County, IA?
Your Energy Needs - Despite the larger initial expense, the cost per watt drops when using larger solar panel systems. Many individuals find it advantageous to set up a system that can generate enough electricity to replace the entirety of their electric bill. This math makes the most sense for optimal savings.
Make & Model - Similar to other industries, the solar energy sector features a wide range of solar panel brands and designs. Because the installer might have certain system preferences, it's important to select a reputable installer. The utilization of better equipment is probably will provide a more positive long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - The standard in the industry is now monocrystalline panels, and for good reason. They have a higher price, but they produce more energy. Many solar panel installers opt for this kind of material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own unique features. Sloped land, trees, or other barriers may add to the difficulty of the installation. Most solar installers today are able to leverage satellite imagery to assess your home and include these elements in the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Companies offer different pay rates to their employees, which are then shown in the prices consumers pay. Higher wages frequently lead to companies getting better reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - The final price of your installation will be affected by local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by location. Reliable local installers will incorporate these figures into your initial estimates to prevent any surprises.
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Johnson County, IA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
During November, 2024, the average price for solar panel installations in Johnson County, IA is $4.07/W. In Johnson County, IA, installing a 5 kW solar panel system will set you back approximately $14,245 after federal tax incentives.
In Iowa, you have access to 9 rebates and incentives provided by numerous utilities and government organizations. In addition, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost everyone.
While paying cash ensures the greatest savings, there are now various financing options for solar panels that are also beneficial. Installers will often provide details on financing partners in the quotes they provide initially.
Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback period in Johnson County, IA stands at 9 years, yielding average electricity savings of $17,931.8 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
